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Wisconsin Healthcare for a Healthy Environment Project
Pharmaceutical Pollution Prevention in Health Care
One way to reduce the cost of disposing of unused pharmaceuticals in health care facilities is
to prevent creating pharmaceutical waste in the first place. This is known as pharmaceutical pollution prevention,
or pharm P2.
These ideas were gathered by SHWEC summer student interns in 2008:
- Anesthesiologists can avoid waste by preparing medications on demand, not in advance.
- PVC free IV bags weigh 30-40% less, have a longer shelf life, do not contain DEHP, and they don't create
dioxin during manufacturing or incineration. PVC-free bags cost more to buy but cost less to dispose of. They
may qualify for recycling rebates.
- Hospitals and clinics can eliminate the use of pharmaceutical samples and use vouchers instead.
- Extend the useful shelf-life of medications when possible. Refrigerate medications that would expire
sooner if left out (e.g., succinylcholine).
Here are some links to resources that can help you practice pharm P2:
Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)'s
Health Care Pharmacy pages include fact sheets, presentations and case studies of pharm p2. See also Mercury in Labs and Pharmacies.
Managing Pharmaceutical Waste: A 10-Step Blueprint for Health Care Facilities in the United States.
See step 5 for practical ideas for pharmacies and health care facilities. Updated August 2008.
October 11, 2007 SHWEC webcast on Managing and Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste. Note: the regulatory status of
epinephrine salts has changed since this webinar was broadcast.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Non-Household Pharmaceutical Waste page describes ways to reduce pharmaceutical waste and the
regulations that apply.
Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Sector Resources: Pharmaceuticals
& Personal Care Product (PPCP) Wastes & Impacts. Includes links to P2 resources for health care facilities and the public.
The Teleosis Institute's Green Pharmacy Program
aims to minimize waste through reducing consumption of and reliance on drugs.
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